The unsung heroes of Manchester Airport – the Chaplaincy Team

The chaplaincy team at Manchester Airport, which includes Major Ian Field from The Salvation Army, is set to spread joy this Christmas.     

The team which supports the airport’s 19 thousand staff and countless passengers throughout the year, in a variety of ways, has arranged, in conjunction with the Airport’s Community Relations Team, for  two local schools to visit and sing carols.   

Children from Sacred Heart School in Wythenshawe will be visiting the terminals singing carols on 13th December, while Baguley Hall School will be singing on 14th December.    Major Ian Field, Salvation Army Chaplain at Manchester Airport, said: “It may be Christmas but the Airport continues operations as normal so spreading Christmas joy is important to remind people what time of year it is.   

“Christmas can be a hard time for anyone, and one of the key roles of the chaplaincy team is to be there offering support for staff, sometimes just a listening ear, in situations that can be challenging.   

“We also support a variety of people who arrive at the Airport with little or no financial resources. We are available to provide the help they may need.  “In addition we work with other agencies to support refugees, victims of human trafficking and suspected forced marriage. For example, recently a girl had been stopped entering the country as it was suspected that she was a victim of human trafficking.  It was our role to support her until arrangements could be made for her to move to a place of safety.    

“It’s a very diverse role, a chaplain is available 24/7 and Christmas is no exception as a team member will be available throughout the festive season.   

The Salvation Army chaplains are located in some of the country’s largest airports and many have arranged for live music and Christmas services over the festive period.